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Posted on: November 9, 2018

Bond Set at $50,000 for Chicago Man Charged with Hate Crime

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Roy Newton announced today that a Chicago man has been charged with yelling racial slurs and threatening three African-American and one Hispanic man with a knife.

Ranferi Basilio, 32 (d.o.b. 3/26/1986) of 6437 W. Dakin Street, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge George Bakalis set bond at $50,000 with 10% to apply. Ranferi has been charged with two counts of Felony Hate Crime. Additionally, Ranferi faces Misdemeanor charges of Aggravated Assault and Criminal Damage to Property.

It is alleged that on November 8, 2018, at approximately 10:24 p.m., the four victims, all DuPage County residents, entered the 7- eleven on Westmore Street in Lombard where Ranferi was working as a clerk. It is alleged that while the four victims were in the store, Ranferi began yelling racial slurs at the men. It is alleged that the victims decided to leave the store and that when they did, Ranferi followed them out. It is further alleged that once outside the store, Ranferi continued yelling racial slurs at the men and pulled out a long-bladed knife. It is alleged that the four victims then ran away from the store, leaving their car in the parking lot, and that as they ran away, Ranferi yelled “I am going to slash all four tires.” It is further alleged that Ranferi then slashed all four tires of the car in which the victims arrived. Lombard Police were called to the scene and after investigating the matter took Ranferi into custody.

“Let me be perfectly clear, any crime driven by hate, with the intent to harm, intimidate or instill fear in another, will be met with the full force and effect of the law,” Berlin said. “Hate crimes, and the accompanying prejudice that fuels these despicable actions, have no place in our society and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. I would like to thank the Lombard Police Department for their work helping us secure charges against Mr. Ranferi. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Kristin Johnston and Matthew Dambach for their efforts on this case as well.”

“I echo State’s Attorney Berlin’s sentiments,” Newton said. “It is indeed a shame that we continue to see this type of disgusting behavior directed at our fellow human beings.”

Ranferi’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 4, 2018 in front of Judge Bakalis.

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.